This place is a "must see" for Christians and an important site for everyone else. It has a strong spiritual feel for me, although more of an attraction than a place of worship. Orthodox Christians have a stronger sense of religious display and ostentation than Reformed Christians so be prepared for lots of flashy decoration and demonstrative worshippers. I visited... More

I have visited the a church of the Nativity on three separate occasions and it is a 'must see' but at the same time it is often a problem to see what is there because of the crowds of tourists. The last time I was there the tour I was with gave up without seeing the cave Jesus was born... More

I realize that ruling religions have always taken over holy sites with flashy gee gaws, rules and stories. It just seems strange to me that the birthplace of someone like Jesus,is part of this. Inside of the church there is a respectful, quiet atmosphere,and I understand that some kind of edifice is necessary, I just wish it could have been... More

visiting the reputed birthplace of jesus christ was an emotional experience like no other. the magnificence of place is not in grandeur of decor or style but in sheer breaktaking spiritual wonder. a pilgrimage to this holiest of sites is an absolute must for any christian...

This church is the mythical birthplace of the historical Jesus of Nazareth smack-bang in the middle of Palestine accessible via military check-point. This is the reality of this land, contested forever by people wanting to control it in order to control people. All the crap aside, this ancient basillica is an eye-sore but is hugely significant. Decorated in typical Orthodox... More

I had sometime between appointments and visited the church which is quite well preserved and a truly interesting experience but the constant harassment from men offering their services as guides was irritating. I would also be very wary of visting during high traffic seasons as with the few tour groups that were in there at the same time as I... More

The place where Jesus was born, this Church was one of my favorites. I just really liked the area and aesthetics of the church. Highly recommend.

well worth a visit- (interconnected churches and the cave to visit) as is the atmospheric town of bethlehem.. right next to the church is the franciscan run hotel and cafe- last week with a log fire, great atmosphere and coffee and friendly staff, as well as friendly cats and dogs! look out for the awful apartheid wall- decorated as was... More

This church is probably not the finest ones you've seen or amazes with its architecture, but has a great importance as the birthplace (geographical) of Jesus. The Grotto displays a star on the believed birthplace of Jesus and it is usually crowded to visit this site. You will also meet a lot of guides and touts on your way to... More